MELANOCYL OINTMENT

Uses and Benefits of MELANOCYL OINTMENT (METHOXSALEN U.S.P. + AMINOBENZOIC ACID B.P.)

This medicine is mainly used as part of a light-based treatment (PUVA therapy) for certain chronic skin conditions.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Psoriasis that has not responded well to other treatments
• Vitiligo, to help restore skin colour in affected patches
• Certain other chronic skin disorders as decided by a dermatologist

HOW IT WORKS

• Methoxsalen makes the skin more sensitive to UVA light, allowing controlled light therapy to act on affected skin cells
• Aminobenzoic acid provides a degree of protection to normal skin from the effects of UV exposure
• Together, they are used only under supervised light therapy sessions, not as a stand-alone medicine

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a general sunscreen or tan-inducing product
• It is not used for infections, allergies, or acne
• It should not be used without an accompanying, doctor-supervised UVA light session
• It is not meant for regular unsupervised sun exposure

Side Effects of MELANOCYL OINTMENT (METHOXSALEN U.S.P. + AMINOBENZOIC ACID B.P.)

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Headache
• Skin redness or itching after light exposure
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Nervousness or trouble sleeping
• Stomach discomfort
• Uneven skin pigmentation

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe blistering or burning of the skin
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Severe eye pain or vision changes
• Signs of liver problems such as yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Use MELANOCYL OINTMENT (METHOXSALEN U.S.P. + AMINOBENZOIC ACID B.P.)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually a few hours before the scheduled UVA light therapy session
• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, unless told otherwise
• Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own
• Always wear the protective eyewear advised during and after light therapy sessions
• Avoid unprotected sun exposure on the day of and days following treatment, as advised by your doctor

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• If you miss a dose before a scheduled light therapy session, inform your treatment centre or doctor; the session may need to be rescheduled
• Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one
• Do not attempt light therapy without taking the medicine as instructed

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
• Keep in the original container, away from children and pets
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack

Safety Information and Precautions for MELANOCYL OINTMENT (METHOXSALEN U.S.P. + AMINOBENZOIC ACID B.P.)

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India and must be used under supervision at a licensed treatment centre.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to methoxsalen, aminobenzoic acid, or related psoralen compounds
• Have certain skin cancers or conditions that increase sensitivity to light, unless specifically advised by your doctor
• Have porphyria or lupus erythematosus

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Have liver disease or cataracts
• Have a history of skin cancer
• Are taking other photosensitising medicines or herbal products

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other drugs that increase sun sensitivity, such as certain antibiotics or diuretics
• Retinoid medicines used for skin conditions
• Certain herbal supplements like St. John's Wort

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine without going for light therapy?

No, this medicine is meant to be used only along with a doctor-supervised UVA light session, not on its own.

Will I need to protect my eyes after treatment?

Yes, wearing UV-protective sunglasses for the advised period after each dose is important to prevent eye damage.

How long does treatment usually continue?

• The duration varies by condition and response, and your dermatologist will decide the total number of sessions needed.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.